Natalia Kishigami
Natalia Kishigami was born in Khabarovsk, The Russian Far East, and studied the art of Oshibana in Japan, in Tokushima Prefecture. This ancient Japanese art strongly attracted her from the very first moment, while the unique Oshibana way of preserving floral life within an artwork promised to fulfill her dream of visually expressing ideas and emotions. Natalia's teacher in Tokushima, Yoshiko Tsubomoto ( 坪本 淑子), is a very creative and experienced Oshibana artist, as well as a great engaging teacher with a magic touch and a good heart.
Natalia quickly progressed to a flower presser stage, starting her career as an Oshibana artist in 2009. She has participated in several joint exhibitions in Tokushima, where she also contributed to mini master-classes.
Natalia quickly progressed to a flower presser stage, starting her career as an Oshibana artist in 2009. She has participated in several joint exhibitions in Tokushima, where she also contributed to mini master-classes.
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In October 2009, Natalia became a winner of the Oshibana Prefecture-level Competition at The Udatsu Wakimachi Culture Exhibition (Tokushima Prefecture, Japan), with the work "Rabbito-chan" ("Little Rabbit").
In November 2012, having moved to Sydney, Natalia represented Australia at the 9th Annual International Oshibana Competition "Exhibition of Creation" in Yokohama City (Japan), also becoming a winner. Her work "Why do people walk upside down?!" (shown below) was one of several winners selected from the field of 1107 entries that came from 14 countries. This work was also one of the first in the series inspired by native Australian fauna and flora – the theme that fascinates Natalia who now lives in Sydney. 
"Why do people walk upside down?!"
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Australian plants are unique and not commonly used in Oshibana. And so Natalia's work with Australian flora is an ongoing experimentation: the usual path of an artist who continues to learn all the time.
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Natalia Kishigami is a member of The World Wide Pressed Flower Guild. |
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